Brian Sharp writes: "Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy will not seek re-election, formally announcing his decision Wednesday in a letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, according to sources. The city's former mayor hinted as much this week, saying he was not being forced out and would serve out his term which runs through year's end."

Cuomo's office had no immediate comment tonight.

Rumors have circulated throughout the state for months that Duffy, a former police chief and mayor of Rochester, would not seek a second term as Cuomo's No. 2, and there's been speculation that Cuomo would pick Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney, a Republican, to be his running mate.

Cuomo, a Democrat expected to seek a second term this year, has been reticent to talk about the rumored change. In March, Cuomo deflected questions about the possibility of asking Mahoney to join the ticket.

"We have not had that conversation," Cuomo said.

Mahoney, who endorsed Cuomo four years ago when he ran for governor and she has joined Cuomo at many news conferences, could not be reached tonight for comment.

Cuomo put Duffy in charge of his Regional Economic Development Councils, 10 panels that recommended millions of dollars worth of publicly-financed projects throughout the state. Duffy often stumped for the governor on specific issues around the state, from the fiscal crisis of cities to last year's proposal to expanding gambling in Upstate areas.

He came to Syracuse a year ago to address criticism from Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner directed at Cuomo's plans to help Upstate cities. Duffy suggested that Miner could request the governor appoint a financial control board to take over the city's finances if she couldn't meet the city's financial obligations.

Duffy recently told the Rochester paper there was no conflict between him and Cuomo.

Duffy was recently ranked No. 100 in City & State's top 100 Albany power rankings.